The Science Of Vocal Pedagogy

Demonstrations by various artists of theories and principles from the author's book.

Drawing upon the sciences of acoustics, linguistics, and physiology, D. Ralph Appelman advances a system of teaching voice based on the International Phonetic Alphabet. His premises are that vocal pedagogy requires an understanding of physiological and physical processes; that the singer and the voice teacher need pedagogical tools to link this scientific knowledge with the art of vocalization; that the word in the art song provides such a tool, for it conveys the primary meaning of the utterance; that the art song, therefore, demands intelligibility as well as beauty; and that if the art song is to attain the aesthetic level demanded by the music and the text, the singer must master a refined and orderly vocal system. Liberally illustrated with photographs, x-rays, spectrograms, palatograms, charts, drill materials, and drawings, this text develops the total process of disciplined vocal utterance, progressing from the physiological aspects of phonation to the elements of aesthetic interpretation and the art of combining the two in song.

Demonstrations by various artists of theories and principles from the author's book.

Condensed version of "Your Voice: An Inside View," including chapters on listening, anatomy, breathing, phonation, vocal health, resonance, voice analysis, articulation, and hearing. The current volume incorporates fundamental information about voice science and pedagogy, presented in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Now included 52 pages with color images.

Demonstrations by various artists of theories and principles from the author's book.

If classical singers and vocal pedagogues are to be prepared adequately for performance, teaching and co-operation in inter-professional relations, then an holistic education entailing multi-disciplinary study is essential. In this important new book, Karen Sell examines the disciplines pertinent to vocal pedagogy, tracing the lineage of views from the ancient world to the present day. In the process important diverse roots are exposed, yielding differing and even conflicting tonal ideals which have a bearing on the consideration of different singing methods and the interpretation of songs and arias. Ethics and psychology are identified as central to the entire pedagogical process along with the scientific basis of singing: encompassing acoustics, anatomy and physiology, with special reference to the bearing of the latter two upon vocal health and hygiene. A detailed consideration of singing technique is the centrepiece of the book, and an understanding of good technique and scientific awareness is shown to be fundamental to good vocal pedagogical practice. This leads to a discussion on performance and aesthetics, contributing to the education of the fully equipped singer. No study to date has demonstrated the inter-relationships between all these individual disciplines and the ways in which they influence singing pedagogy. Sells holistic, multi-disciplinary approach will be of particular benefit to singers and voice teachers, and will also appeal to music educationalists and professionals in cognate disciplines.